Composite Packaging System For Particulate Smokable Product

ABSTRACT

A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product comprises an aggregate of particulate smokable product, a bag element of organic polymeric film, an envelope element of metallized organic polymeric film, and at least one externally viewable image disposed on the envelope element. The bag element includes a distribution zone within which the aggregate is generally evenly distributed along an elongated profile. The bag element is rolled about its distribution zone, and along with the aggregate, is snugly retained within a hermetically sealed cavity of the envelope element. What results is a packaging system which is compact, lightweight, attractive and low-cost, yet capable of maintaining the freshness and flocculence of the smokable product throughout shipment, retail display and consumer handling of the packaged product.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of sealed packaging systems for organic material. More particularly, the invention concerns protective packaging systems for aggregates of particulate smokable product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Organic smokable product, such as tobacco, legal non-tobacco herbs, or the like, continue to be enjoyed by consumers worldwide. Optimizing the smoking characteristics of organic material requires maintaining its freshness and flocculence from the time the product is packaged until the time the consumer uses the product. Protecting the freshness of the product helps maximize its flavor and burn characteristics at the time of its use. Protecting the flocculence, or light fluffiness, of an aggregate of particulate smokable product helps ensure that, when placed into a cigar wrapper and smoked by the consumer, it will draw properly and thereby produce a smoother smoking experience.

Various packaging systems exist which provide for the sealed encapsulation of loose particulate smokable product. However, these systems generally lack features that enable the attractive, compact, sealed packaging of small quantities of particulate smokable product, such as those quantities appropriate for a single consumer-rolled cigar, while substantially protecting the product from being crushed or powderized during shipment, retail display or handling by the consumer. Prior packaging solutions for particulate smokable product are commonly designed to contain large quantities of the smokable product, for example, enough to fill numerous rolled cigars. Prior solutions featuring flexible, single-layer packaging of large quantities of particulate smokable product can leave the product vulnerable to being crushed and powderized not only by external forces, but also under its own weight.

Moreover, prior packaging systems adapted to contain smaller quantities of smokable product generally do not include features to facilitate the evenly-distributed placement of the product along the length of an open cigar wrapper directly from the packaging.

Accordingly, what is needed is a low-cost, light-weight, compact, robust and attractive packaging system for a small aggregate of particulate smokable product which maintains the freshness and flocculence of the product, while facilitating the evenly-distributed placement of the product along the length of an open cigar wrapper directly from the packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the provision of a composite packaging system for particulate smokable product. The composite packaging system generally comprises an aggregate of particulate smokable product, a bag element, an envelope element and at least one externally viewable image disposed on the envelope element.

The smokable product is generally comprised of legal smokable non-tobacco herbs, but can also be comprised of smokable tobacco, or a combination thereof. In embodiments, the aggregate is flocculent and typically weighs between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 grams. In certain embodiments, the aspect ratio between the aggregate length and the aggregate width is greater than approximately 5. In further embodiments, the aggregate length is less than approximately 5.5 inches and the aggregate width is less than approximately 1 inch.

The bag element is substantially comprised of organic polymeric film, and has a mouth portion, a floor portion, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and a distribution zone generally adjacent the floor portion and extending generally from the first lateral edge toward the second lateral edge. The aggregate is approximately evenly distributed within the distribution zone. The bag element is in a rolled configuration wherein it is rolled multiple times about its distribution zone.

The bag element of certain embodiments may include an adhesive strip, which is typically disposed on the outer surface of the bag element at a location proximate the mouth portion and contacting the outer surface at an additional location. This adhesive strip may thereby releasably secure the bag element in its rolled configuration.

The envelope element is typically comprised of a first side sheet and a second side sheet adjoined generally at their respective peripheries, thereby forming a hermetically sealed cavity. The aggregate and bag element are snugly retained within this cavity. The envelope element is substantially comprised of metallized organic polymeric film.

In particular embodiments, the aspect ratio between the envelope width and the envelope thickness is typically greater than approximately 3, and the aspect ratio between the envelope length and the envelope width is typically greater than approximately 2.5.

In some embodiments, the envelope includes a pouch portion with a proximal end and a tear-away portion thereat. The tear-away portion is at least partially separable from the pouch portion by way of lateral tearing from a first edge notch toward a second edge notch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front view of a composite packaging system for particulate smokable product;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2, showing a bag element in rolled configuration and containing an aggregate of particulate smokable product where the bag element is retained within a hermetically sealed cavity of an envelope element;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic front view of an aggregate of particulate smokable product, shown in generally flocculent form;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic end view of the aggregate of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic front view of a bag element in an unfolded precursor configuration in which the distribution zone of the bag element is filled with an aggregate of particulate smokable product;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic end view of the bag element of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic front view of a bag element in folded configuration and containing an aggregate of particulate smokable product;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic end view of the bag element of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a bag element in rolled configuration containing an aggregate of particulate smokable product, where the outer lip of the bag element is partially pulled back.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown generally at 20 a composite packaging system for particulate smokable product. The composite packaging system 20 comprises an aggregate 22 of particulate smokable product, a wrapping or bag element 24, an envelope element 26, and at least one externally viewable image 30 disposed on the envelope element 26. The aggregate 22 is generally flocculent. The composite packaging system 20 is adapted to maintain the flocculence and freshness of the particulate smokable product throughout the shipment, retail display and consumer handling of the packaged product. Moreover, the adaptations described herein provide for these advantages even when the packaging system is maintained in a vertical orientation (as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2), for extended periods of time.

The smokable product is generally comprised of legal smokable non-tobacco herb, but can also be comprised of smokable tobacco, or a combination of the two. The term particulate smokable product is used herein to describe, for example, a collection of particles of smokable plant matter, each particle generally ranging in size from a blade of grass to a bud or small grain. The average size of each particle varies depending upon the particular product, and the selected plant matter may be, for example, cut or ground to produce the desired particle size.

Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7 for illustration, in embodiments, the aggregate 22 typically weighs between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 grams, which is a quantity generally found to be sufficient to fill a single consumer-rolled cigar. In certain embodiments, the aspect ratio between the aggregate length 52 and the aggregate width 54 is greater than approximately 5. In further embodiments, the aggregate length 52 is less than approximately 5.5 inches and the aggregate width 54 is less than approximately 1 inch. Since the average consumer-rolled cigar is less than 5.5 inches in length, the ability to place the aggregate 22 directly from the packaging into an open cigar wrapper helps ensure an even distribution of the particulate smokable product along the length of the resulting cigar, once rolled.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the wrapping or bag element 24 is substantially comprised of organic polymeric film. The bag element 24 has a mouth portion 38, a floor portion 40, a first lateral edge 42, a second lateral edge 44 and a distribution zone 46 generally adjacent the floor portion 40 and extending generally from the first lateral edge 42 toward the second lateral edge 44. The aggregate 22 is approximately evenly distributed within the distribution zone 46, which tends to give the aggregate 22 an elongated profile.

As shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 10-12, the bag element 24 is in a rolled configuration wherein it is rolled multiple times about the distribution zone 46. As a result, the bag element and the aggregate contained therewithin typically have a round or slightly oblong cross section. When a non-bag wrapping (not shown) is used in place of a bag element 24, the wrapping is in wrapping engagement with the aggregate 22. The bag element 24 may be considered a more specialized wrapping for the aggregate 22, but with additional features.

The bag element 24 provides several significant advantages to the composite packaging system 20, which include the following. First, during the packaging process, the floor portion 40 facilitates the formation of particulate smokable product into an elongated, evenly-distributed aggregate 22. Second, the aggregate 22 can be more easily handled while its weight is measured and adjusted prior to the product becoming hermetically sealed within the envelope element 26. Third, in its rolled configuration (shown, for example, in FIG. 12) the bag element 24 provides increased structural rigidity to the packaging system 20, both in compression and bending, thereby helping to maintain the even distribution and flocculence of the product within the packaging throughout the shipping, retail display, and consumer handling of the packaged product. Fourth, the organic polymeric film of the bag element 24 provides a second barrier to keep the particulate smokable product fresh over extended periods of time. Fifth, the bag element 24 can be removed from the envelope element 26 and facilitate the even placement of the aggregate 22 onto an open cigar wrapper by allowing the aggregate 22, without a change in its dimensions, to drop directly from the region of the floor portion 40 through the mouth portion 38.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 8 for illustration, the bag element 24 of certain embodiments may include an adhesive strip 48. The adhesive strip 48 is typically disposed on the outer surface 50 of the bag element 24 at a location proximate the mouth portion 38 and contacting the outer surface 50 at an additional location (such a location shown, for example, in FIG. 5). This adhesive strip 48 may thereby releasably secure the bag element 24 in its rolled configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 12, a further advantage of this arrangement is that the consumer can unroll the bag element 24 more quickly and easily by running his or her finger circumferentially along the outer surface 50 of the bag element 24 until that finger catches the free outer lip 74. As indicated by the arrow with the dashed line, the outer lip 74 can then be used to pull the adhesive strip 48, which is disposed proximate the opposite lip (not shown) of mouth portion 38, away from the additional location along outer surface 50, thereby releasing the bag element 24 from its rolled configuration.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 5 for illustration, within the envelope element 26 is a hermetically sealed cavity 28, within which the aggregate 22 and bag element 24 are snugly retained. In most embodiments, the envelope element 26 is typically comprised of a first side sheet 32 and a second side sheet 34 sealingly adjoined generally at their respective peripheries (such peripheries illustrated, for example, at 36), thereby forming the hermetically sealed cavity 28.

The envelope element 26 is substantially comprised of metallized organic polymeric film, which provides the packaging system a second barrier for maintaining the freshness of the product, a second layer of structural rigidity (for example, in compression and bending), as well as external surfaces upon which to print and display attractive and informative externally viewable image 30. The metallized organic polymeric film is typically a metallized polyester film. In certain embodiments, the first side sheet 32 and second side sheet 34 are each comprised of three layers, for example, a layer of PET, a layer of metal foil and a layer of LLDPE.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 3 for illustration, in particular embodiments, the envelope element 26 has an envelope length 58, an envelope width 60 and an envelope thickness 62. In such embodiments, the aspect ratio between the envelope width 60 and the envelope thickness 62 is typically greater than approximately 3, and the aspect ratio between the envelope length 58 and the envelope width 60 is typically greater than approximately 2.5. Further, in certain embodiments, the envelope length 58 is less than approximately 6.5 inches, the envelope width 60 is less than approximately 2.25 inches, and the envelope thickness 62 is less than approximately 0.65 inches.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the envelope element 26 includes a pouch portion 64 with a proximal end 66 and a tear-away portion 68 thereat. The tear-away portion 68 is at least partially separable from the pouch portion 64 by way of lateral tearing of the tear-away portion from a first edge notch 70 toward a second edge notch 72.

In combination, the bag element 24, the envelope element 26, and the dimensions and aspect ratios described herein provide for a sealed packaging system 20 which is more slender, compact and attractive, yet rigid enough to protect the flocculence of the aggregate of particulate smokable product from packaging until use.

The foregoing detailed description is intended merely to provide examples, and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the appended claims to these described embodiments. Accordingly, modifications to the embodiments described are possible, and it should be clearly understood that the invention may be practiced in many different ways than the embodiments specifically described below, and still remain within the scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product, said composite packaging system comprising: (a) an aggregate of particulate smokable product, said aggregate being generally flocculent; (b) a wrapping being substantially comprised of organic polymeric film, said wrapping being in wrapping engagement with said aggregate; (c) an envelope element substantially comprised of metallized organic polymeric film, said envelope element having a hermetically sealed cavity therewithin, said aggregate and wrapping being snugly retained within said hermetically sealed cavity; and (d) an externally viewable image disposed on said envelope element.
 2. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said envelope element is comprised of a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet and said second side sheet being sealingly adjoined generally at their respective peripheries thereby forming said hermetically sealed cavity.
 3. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said wrapping is a bag element, said bag element having a mouth portion, a floor portion, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, and a distribution zone, said distribution zone being generally adjacent said floor portion and extending from generally said first lateral edge toward said second lateral edge, said aggregate being approximately evenly distributed within said distribution zone, said bag element being in a rolled configuration whereby said bag element is rolled multiple times about said distribution zone.
 4. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 3 in which said bag element further has an outer surface and an adhesive strip, said adhesive strip being disposed on said outer surface at a location proximate said mouth portion and contacting said outer surface at an additional location, thereby releasably securing said bag element in said rolled configuration.
 5. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said aggregate weighs between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 grams.
 6. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said aggregate has an aggregate length and an aggregate width, the aspect ratio between said aggregate length and said aggregate width being greater than approximately
 5. 7. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said aggregate has an aggregate length of less than approximately 5.5 inches and an aggregate width of less than approximately 1 inch.
 8. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said envelope has an envelope length, an envelope width and an envelope thickness, the aspect ratio between said envelope width and said envelope thickness being greater than approximately 3, the aspect ratio between said envelope length and said envelope width being greater than approximately 2.5.
 9. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said envelope has an envelope length of less than approximately 6.5 inches, an envelope width of less than approximately 2.25 inches, and an envelope thickness of less than approximately 0.65 inches.
 10. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said envelope includes a pouch portion with a proximal end and a tear-away portion thereat, said tear-away portion being at least partially separable from said pouch portion by way of lateral tearing from a first edge notch toward a second edge notch.
 11. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 1 in which said smokable product is comprised substantially of smokable tobacco, smokable non-tobacco herb, or a combination thereof.
 12. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product, said packaging system comprising: (a) an aggregate of particulate smokable product, said aggregate being generally flocculent and weighing between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 grams, said aggregate having an aggregate length and an aggregate width, the aspect ratio between said aggregate length and said aggregate width being greater than approximately 5; (b) a bag element being substantially comprised of organic polymeric film, said bag element having a mouth portion, a floor portion, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and a distribution zone generally adjacent said floor portion and extending generally from said first lateral edge toward said second lateral edge, said aggregate being approximately evenly distributed within said distribution zone, said bag element being in a rolled configuration whereby said bag element is rolled multiple times about said distribution zone; (c) an envelope element substantially comprised of metallized organic polymeric film and having a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet and said second side sheet being sealingly adjoined generally at their respective peripheries thereby forming a hermetically sealed cavity within said envelope element, said aggregate and bag element being snugly retained within said hermetically sealed cavity; and (d) an externally viewable image disposed on said envelope element.
 13. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 12 in which said bag element further has an outer surface and an adhesive strip, said adhesive strip being disposed on said outer surface at a location proximate said mouth portion and contacting said outer surface at an additional location, thereby releasably securing said bag element in said rolled configuration.
 14. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 12 in which said envelope has an envelope length, an envelope width and an envelope thickness, the aspect ratio between said envelope width and said envelope thickness being greater than 3, the aspect ratio between said envelope length and said envelope width being greater than 2.5.
 15. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 12 in which said envelope has an envelope length of less than 6.5 inches, an envelope width of less than 2.25 inches, and an envelope thickness of less than 0.65 inches.
 16. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 12 in which said envelope includes a pouch portion with a proximal end and a tear-away portion thereat, said tear-away portion being at least partially separable from said pouch portion by way of lateral tearing from a first edge notch toward a second edge notch.
 17. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product, said packaging system comprising: (a) an aggregate of particulate smokable product comprised substantially of smokable non-tobacco herb, said aggregate being generally flocculent and weighing between approximately 1.5 and 2.5 grams, said aggregate having an aggregate length of less than approximately 5.5 inches and an aggregate width of less than approximately 1 inch; (b) a bag element being substantially comprised of organic polymeric film, said bag element having a mouth portion, a floor portion, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and a distribution zone generally adjacent said floor portion and extending generally from said first lateral edge toward said second lateral edge, said aggregate being approximately evenly distributed within said distribution zone, said bag element being in a rolled configuration whereby said bag element is rolled multiple times about said distribution zone, said bag element further having an outer surface and an adhesive strip, said adhesive strip being disposed on said outer surface at a location proximate said mouth portion and contacting said outer surface at an additional location, thereby releasably securing said bag element in said rolled configuration. (c) an envelope element substantially comprised of metallized organic polymeric film and having a first side sheet and a second side sheet, said first side sheet and said second side sheet being sealingly adjoined generally at their respective peripheries thereby forming a hermetically sealed cavity within said envelope element, said aggregate and bag element being snugly retained within said hermetically sealed cavity, said envelope having an envelope length of less than 6.5 inches, an envelope width of less than 2.25 inches, and an envelope thickness of less than 0.65 inches; and (d) an externally viewable image disposed on said envelope element.
 18. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 17 in which said envelope includes a pouch portion with a proximal end and a tear-away portion thereat, said tear-away portion being at least partially separable from said pouch portion by way of lateral tearing from a first edge notch toward a second edge notch.
 19. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 17 in which said metallized organic polymeric film is metallized polyester film.
 20. A composite packaging system for particulate smokable product as defined in claim 17 in which said first side sheet and said second side sheet are each comprised of a layer of PET, a layer of metal foil and a layer of LLDPE. 